At a glance the quick version
FCI gives no weight. Purina UK gives 32-35 kg; Wikipedia gives 80-120 lb (about 36-54 kg). Not split by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, thick and dense
A tall, stately hound with long ears and a short, very dense coat. Fine black and white mottling blends into a slate-blue look, set off by black head patches and tan marks above the eyes.132
Personality what they are like
Quietly dignified and even-tempered, this hound is friendly with people and focused and determined on a trail. It is a natural pack dog with a rich, deep bay, and it can seem relaxed at home once its exercise needs are met.124
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High: plan on two hours or more of walking daily plus safe off-lead running and chances to use its nose, such as scent work or tracking.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy care: brush every few days and check paws and long ears after outings.4
Home where they are happiest
Best in a spacious, rural or active home with secure outdoor space.42
Company who they like around
A pack hound by nature that enjoys canine company; early socialisation with other pets and livestock is recommended.14
The story where it all began
One of France's oldest scent hounds, it formed the hunting packs of Gaston Fébus, Count of Foix, in the 1300s and later of King Henry IV. It became the root stock of the southern French hounds and reached America in the 1700s.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In 1785 the Marquis de Lafayette sent seven of these hounds to George Washington, who likened their voices to the bells of Moscow.3
- 2
In Britain the breed is sometimes nicknamed the 'Frenchie'.3
- 3
It helped shape other hounds, including the Gascon Saintongeois, the Bluetick Coonhound and the Dumfriesshire Hound.3
- 4
The tan spots above its eyes give the classic 'four-eyed' face described in the standard.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 22, Group 6 (Scent hounds); current standard dated 18 Feb 19971
- UKC
- Recognised January 1991, Scenthound Group2
- Société Centrale Canine
- National breed standard (France)3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Grand Bleu de Gascogne. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Grand Bleu de Gascogne, and at what times?
Feed your adult Grand Bleu de Gascogne at least two meals a day, as their stomach empties within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Grand Bleu de Gascogne eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.6
How often should I bathe a Grand Bleu de Gascogne?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, though the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Grand Bleu de Gascogne need brushing?
Brush your Grand Bleu de Gascogne every few days to keep its short, dense coat healthy. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, which is perfect for this easy-care breed.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Grand Bleu de Gascogne's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Grand Bleu de Gascogne need?
This active hound needs two hours or more of walking daily, plus safe off-lead running and scent work. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Grand Bleu de Gascogne's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check floppy ears weekly for moisture and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Grand Bleu de Gascogne live?
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne typically lives between 10 and 12 years. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet checkups become even more important then.4 Furry Diary plan
Is a Grand Bleu de Gascogne good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is friendly and even-tempered, and as a natural pack dog it enjoys canine company. Early socialisation with children, other pets, and livestock is recommended.14
Can a Grand Bleu de Gascogne be left alone?
This pack-oriented hound prefers company and may struggle with long periods alone. It's best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time or where it has canine companionship.14
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Bluetick CoonhoundLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI-Standard N° 22 fci.beused for history, size, coat, colour, temperament
- UKC Grand Bleu de Gascogne ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, temperament, colour
- Wikipedia: Grand Bleu de Gascogne en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, fun facts
- Purina UK: Grand Bleu de Gascogne purina.co.ukused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.